Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease where Breathing becomes progressively difficult. “Progressive” means that the disease gets worse over time.

 

The most common cause of COPD is Smoking. The two main forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people have a combination of both.

 

How COPD Affects Breathing?

COPD causes the following changes in the lungs and airways:

 

 

How Is COPD Treated?

COPD has no cure yet. However, lifestyle changes and treatments can help feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.

 

 

The goals of COPD treatment include:

Relieving symptoms

 

 

Lifestyle Changes

Quit Smoking and Avoid Lung Irritants

 

Quitting smoking is the most important step to treat COPD. Smoking Cessation programmes are available.

 

Other Lifestyle Changes

Nutrition, Vaccination, Pulmonary Rehabilation, Adherance to medications are key Life style changes

 

Managing Complications

COPD symptoms usually worsen slowly over time. However, they can worsen suddenly. For instance, a cold, the flu, or a lung infection may cause your symptoms to quickly worsen. You may have a much harder time catching your breath. You also may have chest tightness, more coughing, changes in the color or amount of your sputum (spit), and a fever.

 

Call your doctor right away if your symptoms worsen suddenly. He or she may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection and other medicines, such as bronchodilators and inhaled steroids, to help you breathe.

 

- Airways become clogged with mucus

 

If you have COPD, you may have one or more of these changes in your lungs. These changes reduce the flow of air in and out of your lungs. This deprives your body of much-needed oxygen.

 

Forms of COPD

There are two main forms of COPD.

 

Chronic bronchitis: This is chronic inflammation of the air passages with airflow obstruction. It involves a long-term cough with mucus. Long term means most days of the week for at least three months in two successive years.

 

Emphysema involves destruction of the lung tissue, specifically the alveoli.

 

Both forms of COPD cause damage to your airways and interfere with the absorption of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide.

 

For more details please visit www.goldcopd.org

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